Methamphetamine
(Public Health)
On this page, your questions about methamphetamine (shabu) will be answered.
What is methamphetamine (shabu)?
Methamphetamine comes in several forms, such as crystalline crystals (crystal meth), powder, and pills, and is known by common names like ice, crystal, speed, crack snow, and glass. It is usually manufactured as a white crystalline powder, odorless, with a bitter taste, and its color varies depending on the materials used in its production. It belongs to the amphetamine family. Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan, extracted from ephedrine found in the ephedra plant, which was used to treat respiratory problems like asthma. Methamphetamine appears as powder or solid crystals, the latter being the most potent and common form. It is a strong chemically manufactured stimulant with a high potential for addiction. It is considered one of the most dangerous drugs due to its negative and addictive effects, as well as its association with various mental and physical illnesses. It is often produced in illegal laboratories using cheap, toxic chemicals, leading to addiction and serious health deterioration.
How do methods of using methamphetamine affect the speed of addiction?
The effect of methamphetamine usually lasts from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the dose and method of use. Due to its high potency and direct effect on the nervous system, methamphetamine is among the drugs most associated with violence and crimes. The method of use significantly affects how fast addiction develops; smoking or injecting provides an immediate effect within seconds, inhalation takes 3 to 5 minutes, and oral intake takes about 15-20 minutes but lasts longer.
What is the importance of awareness about methamphetamine?
Awareness of methamphetamine’s risks is essential to protect community members from its destructive effects, which lead to addiction and deterioration of mental and physical health. Awareness enhances understanding of its dangers, reveals signs of use for early intervention, and reduces the social stigma associated with addiction. It also helps prevent diseases linked to its use, such as HIV, and encourages users to seek treatment, supporting recovery and limiting the spread of this dangerous substance.
Community awareness programs in schools and social media play a major role in fighting drugs, as they can reach the largest number of students, provide health services, and involve families in prevention programs and education about methamphetamine risks. This is a fundamental step to build a healthy, qualified generation capable of resisting dangers and making sound decisions under life pressures.
- What are the methods of using methamphetamine?
- Methamphetamine is used in various ways, including:
- Smoking: Usually the crystalline form is smoked using glass pipes.
- Inhalation: Methamphetamine powder is inhaled through the nose.
- Injection: Methamphetamine is dissolved in a liquid and injected with a needle.
Oral intake: Methamphetamine can be swallowed as pills or powder.
Rectal injection: Sometimes this method is used to introduce methamphetamine.
What are the effects of methamphetamine on health?
The effects of methamphetamine on health depend on the dose, duration of use, and method of consumption.
- Repeated use increases the risk of overdose and serious health complications. There are short-term and long-term effects, including:
- Short-term effects
- Physical effects:
- Temporary increase in activity and energy.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Rapid breathing.
- Elevated body temperature, which may lead to fainting or death.
- Loss of appetite.
Sweating, dizziness, and headache.
- Seizures or convulsions in cases of overdose.
- Psychological effects:
- Feeling euphoric and temporarily happy.
- Anxiety, confusion, or panic.
- Aggressive or violent behavior.
Suspicion or excessive fear.
- Irritability and tension due to the rapid drop in euphoria.
- Long-term effects
- Physical effects: Methamphetamine distributes and is absorbed by most parts of the body.
- Severe weight loss and malnutrition.
- Deterioration of oral health causing tooth decay and loss.
- Permanent weakening of heartHIVand blood vessel functions.
- Kidney failure and need for dialysis.
- Increased risk of infections such as HIV due to unsafe injections.
Sexual dysfunction in men.
- Pulmonary edema and high blood pressure.
- Psychological and neurological effects:
- Chronic anxiety, insomnia, and confusion.
- Psychosis (auditory and visual hallucinations or delusions).
Mood disorders such as depression and extreme anger.
- Permanent brain damage leading to memory and cognitive impairment.
- Social and behavioral problems:
- Severe dependence and addiction.
Difficulty interacting socially and increased violent behavior.
Negative impacts on work performance and daily life.
- What are the signs of methamphetamine use?
- Signs vary by individual and depend on severity and method of use, including:
- Significant weight loss.
- Avoiding eating or sleeping for long periods.
- Dilated pupils.
- Deterioration of dental health (tooth decay and loss).
- Excessive tension or nervousness.
- Rapid speech or constant movement.
- Personality changes such as social withdrawal or aggression.
- Mood disorders like anxiety or depression.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Neglect of personal appearance.
Skin marks from excessive scratching.
Periods of hyperactivity followed by collapse or extreme fatigue.
What is the relationship between methamphetamine and crimes?
- Reports indicate that methamphetamine is responsible for a large proportion of violent crimes, with 50-73% of such crimes linked to it. Its effect on the brain causes problems like irritability and psychosis, increasing the likelihood of violent behavior. Violence is also related to conflicts over drug trade or obtaining money to buy methamphetamine. Addicts show risky behavior during intense use episodes, including violence toward family, spouses, or strangers.
- Common crimes linked to methamphetamine use include:
- Assault or threats with weapons.
Attempted or committed murder.
- Sexual assault by coercion.
- What are the treatment methods for methamphetamine addiction?
- Behavioral therapy: Used to treat methamphetamine addiction by changing negative thoughts and behaviors related to addiction.
- Support groups: Group sessions to help individuals overcome addiction through sharing experiences and mutual support.
Motivational interviewing: Sessions aiming to enhance addicts’ motivation to change and stop using methamphetamine.
Medical detoxification: Can be conducted under medical supervision in a healthcare environment, allowing safe withdrawal from methamphetamine.
What are the withdrawal symptoms?
The severity and duration of methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms vary based on factors such as method and duration of use, dose, drug purity, intoxication level, as well as the person’s prior withdrawal experience and methamphetamine use history.
Acute withdrawal symptoms include:
Extreme fatigue.
Anxiety.
–Irritability.
Insomnia followed by excessive sleep.
Low mood (which may develop into depression and suicidal thoughts).
Loss of pleasure.
Social withdrawal.
Strong cravings for the drug.
Prolonged symptoms include:
Depression.
Mood swings.
Psychosis.
Loss of pleasure.
Suicidal thoughts.
Extreme fatigue.
Increased appetite.
Acute symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days, while prolonged symptoms may last 2 to 3 weeks or more, depending on the case.
When do withdrawal symptoms start?
Acute withdrawal symptoms, such as bad mood, anxiety, and irritability, typically start within 24 hours of the last drug use and peak during this period. These symptoms generally last 7 to 10 days, with intense cravings being the main symptom. In some cases, acute symptoms may last up to two weeks.
Prolonged symptoms are similar to acute symptoms but less severe and more stable, usually lasting an additional 2 to 3 weeks after the acute withdrawal phase ends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a treatment for methamphetamine addiction?
There are no approved medications to treat methamphetamine use disorder or any other stimulant use disorder. However, effective behavioral treatments exist, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and support groups. Some medications may reduce some symptoms caused by high doses but do not treat addiction.
What factors affect a person’s recovery from methamphetamine use?
Recovery depends on the amount of methamphetamine used and how quickly treatment begins. The sooner medical help is received, the better the chances of recovery. However, psychosis and paranoia may persist for up to a year even with intensive treatment. Some damage may be permanent, such as memory loss, sleep difficulties, skin changes, and tooth loss unless repaired by cosmetic surgery.
Is methamphetamine fatal?
Yes, taking a very large dose can raise body temperature to dangerous levels, causing seizures, blood vessel damage, and possibly death.
Can methamphetamine be treated at home?
No approved medications specifically treat methamphetamine withdrawal. Some supportive medications may be used in addiction treatment programs to relieve symptoms like headache or insomnia. It is important to treat methamphetamine addiction in specialized centers under medical supervision to ensure safety and reduce risks.
What is the connection between methamphetamine and crime rates?
Methamphetamine is a major factor contributing to increased rates of violent crime. Studies indicate that 50-73% of violent crimes are linked to methamphetamine use.
What is the difference between methamphetamine and heroin?
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant causing increased activity and agitation, possibly leading to aggressive and violent behavior. Its addiction develops quickly and causes serious physical and psychological harm. Heroin, on the other hand, is a strong painkiller that causes relaxation and temporary euphoria but leads to severe addiction and deadly health damage over time.
What is the effect of methamphetamine on pregnant women?
Using methamphetamine during pregnancy increases the risk of several health problems for the mother and fetus, including:
Increased risk of placental abruption and premature birth.
Higher likelihood of miscarriage and infant death.
Giving birth to a low-weight baby with a small head circumference and small body size.
Reduced infant attention, increased irritability, and poor movement.
Delayed motor development in young children.
Brain development changes leading to concentration difficulties in school.
